Watchful neighbor aids in arrest of suspected burglar

An "alert neighbor" was instrumental in helping to capture a suspect who area police believe may be connected to a string of burglaries in Paxton, Holden, West Boylston and Sturbridge, according to Paxton Police Chief Robert Desrosiers.

A Richards Avenue resident reported to police the description and license plate number of a suspicious vehicle in a neighbor's driveway just before noon on Sept. 3. That vehicle was gone when Desrosiers and Detective Jason Silvestri arrived. An investigation showed an attempted burglary through a rear sliding door of the residence.

Paxton Police issued a stop-and-hold on the vehicle to area police and within less than half an hour Worcester Police had stopped the vehicle.

After questioning, Paxton Police arrested Larry Richard Frost, 29, of 143 Dorchester St., Worcester on a past warrant as well as for breaking and entering, larceny over $250 and attempt to commit a crime (breaking and entering).

Desrosiers said search warrants had been issued and had uncovered several stolen objects at the suspect's home.

Holden Police believe the two are connected to recent thefts involving large-screen televisions.Three such thefts in recent weeks were reported in Holden and in surrounding communities.

Desrosiers credits the watchfulness of the Richards Avenue resident with the apprehension of the suspects, and says he hopes it's instructive for other residents.

"If it looks suspicious, it probably is," Desrosiers said. "With just a little bit of good information, we can catch these people."